Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Practice Exam

What is a key component of the back flip turn technique?

1. Using a single arm to propel forward

2. Maintaining a streamlined position

3. Rotating efficiently while keeping eyes closed

4. Performing a backstroke before the turn

The correct answer is: Maintaining a streamlined position

The key component of the back flip turn technique is maintaining a streamlined position. This positional aspect is critical because a streamlined body reduces resistance in the water, allowing for a faster and more efficient turn. When performing a back flip turn, swimmers must minimize drag to maximize their speed during the transition, which involves flipping and changing directions. Maintaining a streamlined position helps ensure that as they rotate into the turn, they can quickly return to an efficient swimming posture upon completion. This streamlined shape isn't just about being efficient during the turn itself; it sets the swimmer up effectively for their push off the wall and the subsequent movement back into their stroke. In contrast, using a single arm to propel forward is more related to partial strokes rather than the mechanics of the flip turn. Rotating efficiently while keeping eyes closed can hinder the swimmer's ability to align properly for the turn, as visual cues are often important for timing and direction. Finally, performing a backstroke before the turn is not generally part of the back flip turn technique, which focuses on the quick conversion and speed that comes from maintaining a streamlined form.